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SARAJEVO, BOSNIA— U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is questioning the credibility of Sunday's parliamentary elections in Ukraine, where initial results show the ruling party maintaining its legislative majority.

Secretary Clinton says the vote was a step backward for Ukrainian democracy.

"The people of Ukraine deserve so much better," Clinton said. "They deserve to live in a country with strong democratic institutions that respect the rule of law. And these elections did not advance those goals."

Election observers from the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe say President Viktor Yanukovych's party used state funds to finance its campaign and improperly controlled the flow of information.

Former prime minister Yulia Tymoshenko announced Monday she is starting a hunger strike to protest the outcome. Ms. Tymoshenko was unable to take part in the vote as she is more than one year into a seven-year prison sentence.

Speaking to reporters in Sarajevo, Clinton said Ms. Tymoshenko's conviction is an abuse of power.

"We reiterate our deep concern that the politically motivated convictions of opposition leaders -- including former prime minister Tymoshenko -- prevented them from running and standing in these elections," Clinton said. "And we call upon the government of Ukraine to put an immediate end to the selective prosecution and detention of political opponents."

As it has for more than 20 years, Clinton says the United States remains committed to working with the people of Ukraine to strengthen their democracy, independence and sovereignty.

"We call upon the leadership to stop the backwards slide that Ukraine is in and start once again living up to the aspirations of the Ukrainian people," she said.

President Yanukovych is midway through a five-year term that has been marked by an accumulation of power and antagonism with the West.

Comments page of 2

I agree American government has been too much interested in and interfered in foreign affairs. What's democrasy? Is it almighty? Don't you hold a lot of troubles in your democratic coutry, the U.S? I hope you reflect your standpoint and you notice that you should be a bit humble and modest. Secretary of state, I'm sorry but, looks like trapped by her own doctorin and has very narrow visual field. She looks like making Ukraine take her order. Are you almighty? Are you justice?

by: CitizenSteve from: Portland

October 30, 2012 3:16 PM

The United States has a long and ugly history OF not supporting Democracy in other nations....and this is the latest example of the US and our international presence being dictated by big Corporate Interests. When another country holds and election and they vote for someone who's a strong leader and is going to do what's right for their own country and NOT bow down to the US Corporations, then we usually swoop and claim they are communists or Muslim extremists or etc...

The American people need to stop being so gullible and allowing our government and military to crush democracies around the world for NOT being pawns to our greedy corporations! We are a despicable country! If you haven't clue on these historical facts....then read Steven Kinzer's latest book "Overthrow"....you need a history lesson! Clinton is wrong and the US CIA and the Military are wrong....for America and the world!

by: Isaac from: USA

October 30, 2012 2:47 PM

It's a shame that Americans can't come together any longer to support the democratic processes of other nations. We were once a beacon to other nations and people, now we're a bunch of snarky partisan internet commenters.Also, that photo is totally inappropriate and the editor that chose it should be demoted.

by: Mo Animus

October 30, 2012 2:46 PM

Prune faced airhead is at the heart and center of the tax payer gobbling bureaucracy. Hope she stops with the Amelia Earhart largesse.

by: Ron Helton from: Oklahoma

October 30, 2012 2:38 PM

Democracy?

Maybe Madam Secretary should be asking why in our own country we do not have a true democratic process that allows all points of view to be heard. And that third party candidates are not allowed to participate in the presidential debates.How embarrassing that the debate between the two party candidates Stein and Johnson are being televised by RT.Russian Televison!!!Because are our own media is in lock step with the military industrial complex.America stick a fork in it, we are done.

by: TRussert from: United States

October 30, 2012 2:32 PM

"They deserve to live in a country with strong democratic institutions that respect the rule of law. And these elections did not advance those goals."

Hmmm. could just as well be referring to that USA.

by: BobWSA from: US Florida

October 30, 2012 2:18 PM

"party used state funds to finance its campaign and improperly controlled the flow of information.

Sounds a lot like the US election this year - Obama uses state funds to travel (Air Force One)and put on campaign events and the state controlled media (CBS,ABC,NBC) then does his bidding.. so what's the problem Hillary ? Democrats do it all the time,

In Response

by: Italiconline from: Seattle

October 30, 2012 2:49 PM

The FEC (Federal Elections Commission) gives state funds to both sides. State controlled media? Stop watching Faux. And Air Force one is used by the sitting pres to travel because it gives him the ability to be commander and chief while traveling? You want him to ride a bike? The intentional ignorance of your post is disturbing.

by: Al Dorman from: Baltimore

October 30, 2012 1:57 PM

Yet our partners in Saudi Arabia are so commendable... god, is she obnoxious

by: Collin Bourgeois

October 30, 2012 1:52 PM

How is having an election a step backwards in Democracy? I see she is at it again, she should be getting good lawyers instead.

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